Dunop gala celebrates return after 10 year absence

Jun 19 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

DUNLOP celebrated the return of its gala after a 10 year absence recently.

The village really got behind the event, with many homes and businesses putting up balloons and bunting and others taking part in the scarecrow competition.

Miss Smith from the primary school awarded the Queen Hannah Johnston and Consort Dylan Morrison their gifts, a quaich engraved with their name and the date.

Laura Beaton, the queen from 10 years ago carried out the crowning ceremony. The gala queen was sponsored by local cheese-making business Dunlop Dairy at West Clerkland. Once Hannah cut the ribbon declaring the gala day open, the afternoon activities began.

There were lots of activities and stalls to keep all the family occupied, as well as fancy dress competition, a hog roast, pony rides, Scottish dancing, Centrestage singers. The tea tent was expertly run by Elma Mitchell assisted by Dunlop Rural and many young ladies of Dunlop, and served over 1000 cuppas, on the day.

The committee wish to thank all our very generous advertisers, stall holders, sponsors and those who gave up their time before, and on the day, to help organise, set up, clear up, steward, work on stalls, and for all the lovely home baking and generous raffle prizes.

You helped make it a wonderful day and the organisers are happy to say Dunlop Gala is back to stay.

The evening ceilidh was a total sell-out and a terrific evening was had by all. Tartan Traditions, a local band, kept the floor busy right to the end.

Complimentary punch was donated by the Auld Hoose and a finger buffet laid on, compliments of the Coffee Pot, Stewarton.